On our dog walk late this afternoon, we saw two pairs of very strange ducks on the River Ribble. The males (I assume they were males) were mainly white with (I think) black heads and necks and black bits on the wings. I am sorry I can't be more precise as not only did I not have my bins and camera, I also wasn't wearing my specs!!!
The females seemed to be smaller and were a browny-grey. The "black" heads and necks could have been any very dark colour. Both males were identical, as were the females.
They were swimming and looking for food beneath the water. They were so fast it was unbelievable - when one ducked under the water, the mate literally water skied to get there. They were in a part of the river where the water flows quite fast over some large rocks.
We are some 30 miles inland in Lancashire. We take this walk most days and this is the first time we have seen these ducks.
Any ideas? I hope to go back tomorrow, better equiped!!
Cheers, Linda.
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**THUD** (again)
Brilliant photos Sparrow. Very well done on spotting them. Whatever will you see next????
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
Thanks everyone. Needless to say I'm delighted with my sightings.
Wow!! Good one Sparrow!! Lovely shots! Pleased that you managed to ID them in the end!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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Hi Sparrow
Well done Sparrow that your pictures are on full view here.....plus and now you have ID'd your mystery bird
A great tick for your tick list.
I have seen Goosanders in my travels and would love to see more of them yet!
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Thanks Kathy,
These were my first goosanders and oystercatchers. I was really impressed with Mrs. Goosander. As they are here, and together in a pair, we are hoping for some babies on our river. Will make a change from all the mallards, beautiful as they are.